CONTINUOUS rainfall, driven by active monsoon systems originating in the Bay of Bengal, has thrown life out of gear across Jabalpur and the broader Mahakaushal region. Intermittent rains that began Tuesday evening continued through Wednesday evening. The city recorded 24.9 mm (approximately one inch) of precipitation over the last 24 hours. While the shower brought pleasant weather, it caused severe waterlogging in low-lying areas and left roads muddy, leading to commute difficulties for school children and office workers. According to the local Meteorological Centre, a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal paired with an active monsoon trough line passing through the State will keep weather conditions wet across the Jabalpur division, with light to heavy showers likely over the next 2 to 3 days.

 

Since June 1, Jabalpur has accumulated 309.9 mm (around 12 inches) of rainfall this season, compared to 711.2 mm recorded during the same period last year. Orange Alert has been issued for five nearby districts including Balaghat, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Chhindwara and Seoni, with an emphasis on extremely heavy rainfall warnings for Balaghat. Heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds (30-40 km/h) are expected in Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Sagar, Damoh, Dewas, Sehore, Harda, Betul, Pandhurna, Chhatarpur, Gwalior, Rewa and Shahdol divisions. A yellow alert has been issued for the remaining districts with chances of localised heavy spells and lightning. The Meteorological Department has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay clear of waterlogged zones, stay updated on official weather advisories, keep away from trees, electric poles, and open fields during thunderstorms, unplug electronic appliances during lightning and exercise extreme caution while driving and livestock owners to keep animals in safe shelters.